#INTERVIEW: WILL ARNETT ON “IS THIS THING ON?”

By Mr. Will Wong

Toronto’s Will Arnett got a big welcome home last night – Sankofa Square billboard and all – as he premiered his latest, IS THIS THING ON? at a special TIFF Lightbox screening, attended by media, friends and family.

Arnett, known best for voicing his unforgettable work as Gob Bluth on Arrested Development, Batman in the LEGO franchise, and the titular role in Bojack Horseman, makes a slight pivot in this upcoming Dramedy from longtime friend Bradley Cooper, exercising his dramatic muscles and also trying Standup Comedy as well for the first time. The Film centers on Alex (Arnett), who is grappling with divorce form his wife of twenty years, Tess (Laura Dern). He stumbles into the world of Standup Comedy and quickly finds himself consumed in the world, forming friendships and finding confidence again.

Despite dividing his time between New York and Los Angeles, Toronto will always be home for Arnett after leaving here about 30 years ago to pursue his acting dreams and this latest effort actually is the type of complex role he always wanted to perform, even with life handing him several comedic gigs.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Arnett about what inspired him and Cooper to team-up to adapt what actually is a true story based on English Funnyman John Bishop‘s life. We ask him about what informs his memorable character, Alex Novak, and also the burning question, whether The SmartLess Podcast (which he co-hosts with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes) at long last will be making a Toronto tour stop.

Some highlights from our Chat with Arnett:

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The Film really features some fantastic career-best work by Arnett and Laura Dern, as a couple finding themselves later in life and revisiting their relationship through a current lens. With a smart Script (co-written by Arnett, Cooper and Mark Chappell), Bradley Cooper once again delivers some fantastic, thoughtful storytelling, bringing the best out of his talent time and again. Cooper also reunites with Cinematographer Matthew Libatique to craft a unique, up-close and intimate watch.

Searchlight Pictures release IS THIS THING ON? December 19, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Searchlight Pictures)